Originally recorded in 1950 by Ernest Tubb, Elvis Presley recorded this song in 1957 for his Elvis' Christmas Album. It wasn't released as a single until 1964, when in the US it was backed with "Wooden Heart" from Elvis' soundtrack to his film G.I. Blues, but from 1965 and on, it was backed with "Santa Claus Is Back In Town." (thanks, Jeff - Boston, MA)

In the UK, the single was also released in 1964, but with Elvis' version of "White Christmas" on the flip, making for a very colorful and seasonal single. (thanks, Phil - Crickhowell, Wales)

Elvis' performed this song for the first time on his 1968 television special, which was called (Singer Presents) 'Elvis' (it was sponsored by Singer sewing machines). Recorded in June, the special aired on December 3 and helped revitalize his career. His performance of "Blue Christmas" is the only video footage that exists of Elvis singing a Christmas song. Before he begins the song, Elvis states: "I'd like to do my favorite Christmas song of the ones I've recorded..."

The only version to chart in America is by a family act called The Browns (the siblings Jim Edward, Maxine and Bonnie Brown), who nicked the Hot 100 at #97 with their 1960 recording. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada)

In late 2008, Martina McBride was digitally composited into footage from Elvis performing this song at his 1968 Christmas special to create a duet version of the song. McBride recorded the song as part of the Christmas Duets album, which featured several female singers, including Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, and Olivia Newton-John, performing Christmas songs along with recordings of Elvis.

Inserting a voice onto an existing recording isn't all that difficult, but getting McBride on video with Elvis was painstaking, taking about four weeks to piece together. The most difficult shots were the ones from overhead where McBride appears with the full band. There was a small space between Elvis and his guitarist Scotty Moore where she was inserted.

When the duet hit #22 on the Adult Contemporary tally, it became Presley's first entry on that chart since "The Elvis Medley" peaked at #31 in 1982.

Comments: 11

When looking at the deluxe DVD edition of the Elvis '68 Christmas special you will find that while Elvis does say "This is my favorite Christmas song of all the ones I recorded" he is not speaking of "Blue Christmas". He then goes on to perform "Santa Claus is Back in Town" a bit. It was edited later to match his remark to "Blue Christmas".Jeffrey - Clearwater, Fl

The song was indeed used in the Rankin - Bass animated Christmas special ; but the series was called "A Year Without A Santa Clause" , not "The Christmas Without a Santa Clause" . In the animated series , Santa is standing outside his house , when a little blue bird flies to him and delivers the letter . We see Santa ( voiced by Micky Rooney ) read the letter ; and then we hear the little girl sings the words to the song . After the song is sung , the letter touched Santa's heart with tears for the child ; so right then , he decided that it was wrong to have cancelled Christmas . So he found the strength and courage to tell the Elves to load up his sled . Mrs. Claus was worried about his cold ; but Santa told her he "never felt better ; never felt stronger!" . So eventually , he boarded his sled , and delivered his Christmas gifts around the world .Mike - Franklin County, Pa

Elvis started literally having a blue Christmas after he was driving around Bel Air with friends looking at Christmas decorations. He was living out there while filming one of his movies and homesick for Graceland. Anyway, they drove past a mansion which had been decorated entirely with blue Christmas lights. Elvis was so impressed that he told his companions, "That's how I'm decorationg Graceland next year." And he did. Not only the house but Elvis put lights all the way up the driveway from the front gate. Each year he kept adding more and more lights to trees and bushes. A blue Christmas.Terry - Willmar, Mn

For reasons promotional and because we love music and Christmas we did a full web trawl of EVERYONE we could find who had had a hit with Blue Christmas and the year. This song has really endured even if Elvis did originally think it "dumb".

This has also been covered by the Brian Setzer Orchestra.Robert - Houston, Tx

When that recording session ended, Elvis said he thought it was a dumb song and should never be released. The comment was overheard by the female back-up singer, Millie Kirkham, who was there, and also very noticable in the background on the song.Ray - Laughlin, Nv

FYI: For those who are looking for the "piggy" version of this song, you'll find its performer listed as "Sylvester Swine," not Porky Pig. (I imagine no one wanted to get in trouble with Warner Brothers--who had nothing to do with the song--by calling the "singer" Porky Pig.)Robin - Birmingham, Al

Sorry, but the Porky Pig version is in a class by itself. If you haven't heard it, seek it out. I defy you not to laugh along with whoever that is in the background!Susan - Washington, Dc

This song was sung by a little girl to Santa in the Rankin/Bass Christmas Special "The Christmas Without a Santa Claus". That's the one featuring the stop-motion characters Mr. Snow and Mr. Sun. Very bizarre stuff. The 70s...heh!James - Vidalia, Ga

For several years, starting December 1st (i.e a LONG time ago), our local radio station would start playing "Blue Christmas" by Elvis. We heard it every morning on our way to school and it must be a pretty good song 'cause now it's not Christmas without it. Also, no one else's version sounds quite right, not even Porky Pig's..Jude - Thomasville, Ga

I heard that song in a Radio Shack ad last year and it featured people crying over electronics. I don't know why, but it seemed funny!Tiffany - Dover, Fl